Manchester-area gambling raids net seven

MANCHESTER — A year-long undercover investigation into illegal gambling in the city has resulted in the arrests of seven people and searches of three city clubs, three homes, a Hooksett warehouse and four vehicles by state, local and federal law enforcement officers.

Hillsborough County Attorney Patricia LaFrance said she could not comment on whether police seized any cash or video poker machines in the searches of Club Lafayette, 287 Canal St.; Manchester Billiards, 223 South Willow St., the Manchester Press Club (MPC)-Getaway Lounge at 157 Franklin St.; three residences; four vehicles, and a warehouse in Hooksett used by Total Amusements LLC, which supplies electronic poker machines to the clubs involved in the investigation.

The simultaneous raids, conducted by agents from the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, the Manchester Police Department and the FBI in and around Manchester, took place early Sunday morning and involved 11 search warrants and eight arrest warrants.

Arrested on gambling related charges were:

Jonathan Lekas, 55, of 220 Ward St. He is the owner of Total Amusements LLC and also has an ownership interest in the MPC-Getaway Lounge and Manchester Billiards;

John Carlier, 61, of 584 Beech St., vice president of Club Lafayette and co-owner with Lekas of Manchester Billiards;